Costs of Installing An Emergency Standby Generator
Apr 17, 2013 Generators
An important consideration when obtaining any major appliance is the expense. Failing to take into account all of the options involved when purchasing an appliance for your home is the primary element that house owners tend to underestimate. Being no different, standby generators can also carry the burden of more than just the generator and delivery fees to take into account. The true cost a consumer or business will incur to install an emergency generator depends on the generating unit chosen, the type of automatic transfer switch, local codes and regulations, extra accessories, and installation labor and materials.
Automatic Transfer Switch
The automatic transfer switch chosen will factor drastically into the installation labor and material expenses. Some automatic switches substitute the entire main service panel while others install between the main panel and the meter to select between utility power and emergency standby generator power for the entire home. Due to involving changing the homes service equipment, these switches will cost the most tot install. Simpler installations that cost less in terms of equipment, labor, and resources connect to the main panel and only power circuits chosen as essential or critical. They connect to a double-pole breaker in the main panel for utility power and to the generator for emergency backup power. The switch distributes power to a sub-panel, or to circuit breakers contained within the switch. When a power outage occurs, they transfer the essential circuit to generator power. In the home the remaining circuits are without power. Variations on both of these options will give you a choice, and inevitable affect your final cost.
Electrical Connections
Just one of the features of connecting a standby generator to a home or business is set up of the automatic transfer switch. Wiring between the transfer switch and the building is an additional factor to consider. It includes controller wiring for communication between the transfer switch and the generator, and feeder lines that carry electricity from the generator to the transfer switch for distribution to the home’s electrical system. Other wiring may consist of remote, wired controllers set up within the home and modules for handling 240-volt, high-voltage appliances such as air conditioners, electric dryers, water heaters, and well pumps. Each device connected to a managed power device will call for additional wiring, which can increase the cost of the installation.
Fuel Connections
Fuel to run an emergency backup power generator runs through supply lines from the building’s natural gas lines or from an LP gas tank. In either case, the installation will call for extra supply lines. A natural gas installation may demand a different meter in order to supply adequate gas for the backup generator. In liquid propane installations you may possibly require a new regulator for the same reason.
Costs of Budget
Checking with an authorized installer by the generator manufacturer is the most idea way to find true fees surrounding any standby generator installation. They can help you navigate permits and building departments and advise you on the type of installation that best suits your needs and your budget.
For more info go to: www.NPSGenerac.com
Tags: costs, home standby, Standby Generators